Emergency Veterinarian

About the Role

Guardian Veterinary Centre is recruiting a full-time Emergency Veterinarian to join its 25,000-square-foot referral hospital in Edmonton. You'll be working in a high-acuity environment where you'll manage multiple emergency and hospitalized cases per shift, supported by board-certified specialists in Internal Medicine and Surgery. Between emergency cases, you'll treat in-house patients and have opportunities to mentor junior staff through hands-on collaboration.

The hospital prioritizes work-life balance with schedules designed for long-term sustainability—a rare find in emergency medicine. You'll be part of a compassionate, collaborative environment where patient care and professional growth go hand in hand.

Location & Lifestyle: Edmonton is a vibrant city offering exceptional outdoor recreation—over 7,300 hectares of urban parkland along the North Saskatchewan River, plus quick access to world-class hiking, camping, and skiing in Jasper and Banff National Parks. The city hosts renowned festivals (Folk Fest, Fringe Festival, Ice on Whyte), has a thriving music and cultural scene, and is notably affordable compared to other Canadian cities.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage multiple emergency and hospitalized cases during each shift
• Provide direct patient care during quieter periods between emergency cases
• Support and mentor junior staff through practical, hands-on guidance and collaborative team discussions
• Collaborate with board-certified specialists to prioritize patient outcomes
• Deliver exceptional customer service that builds trust with clients and referring veterinarians
• Complete medical records efficiently and accurately

Requirements

• Internship training preferred OR minimum 2 years of direct experience in emergency or urgent care
• Strong diagnostic, surgical, and emergency care skills
• Proven ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously under pressure
• Exceptional organizational skills and ability to stay focused during high-volume periods
• Strong interpersonal and leadership abilities
• Eligibility for licensure in Alberta
• Willingness to actively treat in-house patients between emergency cases
• Collaborative mindset with commitment to mentoring junior team members

Benefits

• RRSP 5% Employer Group Match Program
• VCA Canada RRSP Student Loan Program
• VCA Academy Mentorship Program—a six-month tailored program with ongoing support
• Medical Library Access—2,000+ journals, 600+ textbooks, research databases
• Continuing education benefits
• Licensing, membership dues, and conference fees covered
• Paid vacation, paid sick days, and paid wellness days
• Professional liability insurance coverage
• Employee assistance programs
• Virtual health care and e-tools for meditation, sleep, exercise, and focus
• Referral bonus rewards
• Career and leadership development opportunities
• Community involvement opportunities through VCA Canada initiatives

About the Practice

Guardian Veterinary Centre is a leading emergency and specialty referral hospital operated by VCA Canada, a network of 40+ veterinary facilities across the country. The hospital features cutting-edge diagnostic technology and board-certified specialists in Internal Medicine and Surgery, positioning it as a regional hub for complex and referral-based cases. The 25,000-square-foot facility has an established referral network and strong growth trajectory.

VCA Canada has served the veterinary profession for nearly 45 years and became part of the Mars Veterinary Health family in 2017. The organization employs over 4,000 Canadians and has been recognized as one of Alberta's Top Employers (2026, third consecutive year) and one of Canada's Top Employers for Young People (2026).